Gabon’s President Ali Bongo suffered a stroke in October last year. Since then an attempted coup and long absence from power has left many questioning if Bongo is still fit to continue governing the country.

While it is unfortunate that we have to go to such extremes to be taken seriously, women who shed their clothes to make political statements are radical game-changers, not criminals or temptresses, argues Lineo Segoete. They force men with a conscience to be aware of and take action against rape and patriarchy and to acknowledge that we are at a crossroads in gender relations.

To celebrate Gabon’s nationa Women’s Day we will be profiling inspiring Gabonese women who have have made a difference by standing up tall to be seen, heard and counted. We also would like to take this opportunity to salute all the Gabonese women who continue to work hard behind the scenes. We see you and we respect your hustle!